Izmir, known as Smyrna in antiquity, is a large metropolis in the western extremity of Anatolia and the third most populous city in Turkey. The city is perched on the edge of the Aegean Sea and serves as a gateway to the Aegean region. With a history that stretches back to around 3000 BC, Izmir has been a significant trade center throughout the centuries being part of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Today, Izmir's wide boulevards, modern shopping centers, waterfront promenade, and cosmopolitan ethos blend seamlessly with its historic monuments, traditional bazaars, and ancient ruins. Key attractions include the Agora of Smyrna, Kadifekale, the Kemeraltı bazaar, and the Clock Tower in Konak Square. Izmir is also known for its vibrant festivals, including the International Izmir Festival of Arts and the Izmir International Fair. The city's culinary scene offers a mix of Aegean, Turkish and international cuisines, featuring fresh seafood, local olive oil, and the region's famed figs and grapes.
